2024 Lexus TX vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged yet refined aesthetic, with the Wilderness trim receiving a subtle update featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark grey cladding provided a striking contrast to the Autumn Green Metallic paint of the Premier XT model, which was described as a "green-tinged dark khaki." This colour choice was surprisingly appealing, offering a fresh take on the typical champagne-beige hues. The Outback's various trims showcased different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Premier XT trim featuring the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs varied across trims, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Onyx trim upgraded to 18-inch wheels in basic black. The interior of the Premier XT was notably upscale, featuring Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery that was both attractive and comfortable. Other trims offered a mix of standard leather, synthetic leather, and cloth seating options.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented a distinct luxury SUV appearance. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. Our test model featured impressive 22-inch silver-finished wheels, enhancing the SUV's presence. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, including destination charges and dealer fees. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added premium features like upgraded ambient lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery. The interior, while luxurious, felt dark due to the Peppercorn colour scheme and black-grained trim, even with the panoramic glass sunroof.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-litre flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This turbo setup increased the towing capacity from 1,225 to 1,587 kilograms. The Premier XT test car, with its more powerful engine, provided a well-balanced driving experience, with the CVT mimicking the sound and feel of eight distinct gears. The Outback's suspension and reasonably sized wheels contributed to a comfortable ride, and the vehicle offered 22 centimetres of ground clearance, with the Wilderness trim increasing it to 24.1 centimetres.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension providing a comfortable ride and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt soft. Overall, the TX 350 offered adequate performance for a luxury SUV.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more headroom up front compared to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and it excelled in front-row legroom. The cargo area measured 923 litres with all seats in place and 2,141 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver's seat as standard in Canada. The Premier XT trim added ventilated front seats. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were standard from the Touring trim, and the raised roof rails with retractable cross bars were a practical touch.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row seat offered triple-zone automatic climate control and USB charging ports for all three rows. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with stadium-style seating providing leg support. The TX offered 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down. The interior featured numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Premier XT featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with the Subaru Starlink multimedia platform offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Touring trim introduced wireless connectivity. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for defoggers and temperature adjustments. Bluetooth and SiriusXM connectivity were standard, and most trims included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The 2024 Lexus TX offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with a head-up display and surround-view camera available in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Drive Connect subscription added a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX also included free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect available for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies was standard, including adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane-keep assist. The Touring trim added reverse automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Premier XT featured a digital rearview mirror and a driver-attention monitor.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Proactive Drive Assist provided additional braking and steering assistance. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The Executive packages offered front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.